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‘I’m not convinced’: BBC pundit questions quality of £5m Leeds ace
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has been criticised by BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson ahead of the Whites’ Premier League clash on Friday night.
The 20-year-old has made a name for himself since joining Leeds initially on loan before being signed permanently last summer, becoming the Premier League’s youngest first-choice stopper.
Meslier, who reportedly cost the Whites , has been entrusted with the first-team gloves at Elland Road and has played every minute of his side’s league campaign so far.
He has kept four clean sheets, including in two of Leeds’ last three games, against Arsenal and Everton, but has also conceded 20 goals, with three or more shipped in five games.
Looking ahead to the Whites’ meeting with West Ham at Elland Road, Lawrenson believes Marcelo Bielsa’s side will win, but also questioned the quality of their back line.
“Leeds have got a little bit of a soft centre defensively, and I am not convinced by their goalkeeper, Illan Meslier, but going forward they are just relentless,” he told .
TBR View:
It’s been a baptism of fire for Meslier but, despite having conceded a lot of goals, that’s not necessarily his fault – the team’s swashbuckling style can sometimes leave them prone to opposition attacks.
He should perhaps be judged at the end of a full first season in the Premier League, but the signs so far are very promising and he’s already performing like an established goalkeeper.